Home British & World English 3D

Definition of 3D in English:

3D

(also 3-D)

adjective

  • 1Three-dimensional.

    ‘a 3D model’
    • ‘The team will be able to check the validity of the data they create within the 3D model.’
    • ‘The columns sit on projecting bases above a stage, producing a 3D effect.’
    • ‘Such 3D modeling, however, is still rare in architecture firms.’
    • ‘Shown in the context of a 3D model, they demonstrate how much of a workstation, for example, is actually within reach of the user.’
    • ‘From these, we determine points of elevation and create a 3D topographic map.’
    • ‘They receive a 3D facade plus texture and colors.’
    • ‘When skillfully applied, 3D modeling supports design creativity in ways that traditional methods cannot.’
    • ‘The 3D nature of these tools invites the designer to think and act in the third dimension to a greater degree than previously imagined.’
    • ‘Not only is the user able to maneuver through the 3D virtual world, but he or she can also manipulate virtual time to study the evolution of the Forum from its paludal origins to its monumental zenith as the social and political center of ancient Rome.’
    • ‘The 3D graphics, although state of the art, actually feel a little 2D; this creates some distance between the actors and their environment and makes each scene seem slightly unreal, which is sort of the point.’
    • ‘With 3D animation you do not have excess footage to play with as each scene takes a long time to render out.’
    • ‘Creating 3D animation can be a painstakingly difficult task requiring time and patience.’
    • ‘But the attempt to translate that into 3D space does seem to lose something in the translation.’
    • ‘The phone also has built-in 3D graphics components.’
    • ‘The aim was to roll a ball around a 3D map, without it falling off the edge, in a certain amount of time.’
    • ‘Things that appear 3D stand out from flat things.’
    • ‘Designing art for 3-D games presents some unique challenges.’
    • ‘The use of 3-D displays or models can be of immense value in bringing a new dimension to learning.’
    • ‘This weakens the interface between 4-D and 3-D planes.’
    • ‘The 3-D model of Roman Canterbury and its surrounding landscape is based, where possible, on archaeological and environmental evidence.’
    1. 1.1Relating to or denoting a film or video game that creates an impression of depth and solidity, typically by means of stereoscopic techniques.
      ‘a 3D first-person shooter game’

noun

mass noun

  • The quality of being three-dimensional.

    ‘all their projects are modelled in 3D from start to finish’
    ‘today saw the debut of the BBC's new weather graphics, in 3D and with dynamic imaging’
    • ‘This one - in 3D, which means wearing the funny glasses - shows signs of not being as worked through as the others.’
    • ‘For these projects there is no 3D used at all.’
    • ‘Also, you need to get your head around 3D since the gaming world is immersed in it.’
    • ‘These days 3D is widely being used along with Computer Design Design.’
    • ‘Considering that this chipset has only a single-channel memory controller, its speed in 3D is rather doubtful.’
    • ‘So listen up developers - just because 3D is good doesn't mean 2D is bad.’
    • ‘The graphics are stunningly and lovingly created in isometric 3D, and the 3D is used to very good effect on most of the levels.’
    • ‘The 3D is so amazing the film must suffer in 2D - and some theaters are showing only the 2D version.’
    • ‘The great thing about design in 3D is you can see how the case will fit together and whether there are going to be any conflicts in space or design.’
    • ‘The map is in true 3D to accurately represent the positions of all systems.’
    • ‘At the same time, it relegated the 3D to the background.’
    • ‘Unlike many traditional methods of converting drawings from 3D to 2D, it preserves much of the original drawing intelligence.’
    • ‘It then covers some of the concepts you'll need to understand when transitioning your projects from 3D to 2D and back.’
    • ‘From the early 'pioneering' days (when there was resistance from certain quarters of the archaeological and television world) to today (where it is almost 'de rigueur' to have 3D to help explain archaeological findings), the acceptance of virtual archaeology as a tool is almost complete.’